Smell was the first sense to return to him. He smelled, orange? No. It was a musty bleach smell. He mentally cringed as the scent overwhelmed him. "Where am I?" His head felt light, his body tingling as the sense of feeling began to return. He was met with a dull pain, a throbbing sensation in his stomach. "Why can't I move? Why can I see or hear anything?"

His first instinct was to panic but something familiar settled within him. He felt safe. He was comfortable and didn't feel at all in danger. He remained still, trying to piece together what had happened in his mind. His thoughts were jumbled, out of order and fuzzy. He grew frustrated and sighed to himself. Then his sense of sound began to return. He could hear.. a voice? No, two familiar voices. He relaxed slightly and tried to listen, although he could only catch parts of the conversation.

"Is he… recovery… okay?" A younger voice played sweetly into his ears. "Sakura?"

"I… time and… rest." Came another, much more mature and resolved. He could tell by the twang of impatience and annoyance in this one's voice that she was the Hokage, Lady Tsunade.

The younger lady's voice could be heard again, and this time he could for certain confirm that this was Sakura. "How… Naruto…chance?"

He heard a deep sigh and struggled to hear what was said. Memories flooded his mind at the mention of the boy's name. "He's… operation… risk of… death of Naruto… costs."

Kakashi's eyes flew open and everything returned to him at once, leaving him doubled over in the bed as he sat up too quickly. The blinding white light that flashed in his vision left him temporarily dizzy and unfocused as he blinked the tears out of his eyes. "Death of Naruto?" He yelled out, more so out of the sudden shock of pain than anything else. His whole body went numb and it was everything he could do to keep himself from losing consciousness. "Kakashi, Kakashi are you alright?"

Only a moment later did he feel a hand on his back and another one on his stomach. A warm sensation suddenly spread throughout his body, causing his muscles to relax and the pain to subside slightly. He chanced opening his eyes again and his vision focused on two very concerned faces. "Lady Tsunade… Sakura…" His voice was hoarse and tired. He wondered something. "How long have I…?"

Lady Tsunade answered and smiled sweetly, taking Kakashi by surprise. "Just over a day, Kakashi. How are you feeling?"

"Like crap," He answered honestly. His throat was dry and itchy. "I could really use a drink."

"I'll get you some water sensei," Sakura said as she stood back and walked out of the room. Kakashi noticed that her eyes were tired.

"Thank you, Sakura." Kakashi nodded and sighed, closing his eyes. He wish this wave of nausea and dizziness would pass already.

Lady Tsunade gently laid Kakashi down and looked him over worriedly. "Just take deep, slow breaths, Kakashi. You are wounded so take it easy." She sighed and stepped back, shaking her head. "Kakashi, you really gave us a scare. What in the hell happened? Can you talk about it now or would you like me to come back when you are feeling a little better?" She eyed him curiously.

Kakashi closed his eyes sleepily and took a deep breath, nodding. "I can talk now. You need to know what happened." He coughed, tensing at the effort. "We were attacked… Ninja from the Cloud. We initially thought that they were after the information we were tasked to deliver, so I split the group into two teams." Kakashi coughed and cringed. "Turns out I was wrong. They weren't after the scrolls, they were after…the boy. He was injured in the process. He jumped in front of an attack on me and he… "

Kakashi bolted upright in bed once again, and yelped in pain. His body trembled as he looked up to the Hokage who was noisily fussing over him again. She was insisting that he lay still and that he wasn't completely healed yet. "For heaven's sake Kakashi! Lay down! Stop moving around so much!" She demanded.

He shook his head, trying to think straight. That conversation earlier, what did it mean? "Death of Naruto…" the words creeped in his mind causing him to lose focus, black dots swirled in his vision at he stared her down. He needed to know. "Where is Naruto? Is he okay? Is he… alive?" He almost whispered.

Lady Tsunade hesitated, drawing back a little. She noticed the strain and heartache in his voice. She bit her lip and nodded, placing a hand on his back to calm him. "Naruto is alive. He just got out of operations roughly twelve hours ago. He was in for about five hours. We were able to stabilize his wounds and heal the most critical ones to the best of our ability. He's currently listed in critical condition but my assistants are keeping close watch on him…" She studied Kakashi. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"It's nothing, I'm just… I'm relieved." He diverted his eyes and slumped. "It's my fault he's like this. If I hadn't of been so slow… If I had done things the right way-"

"Enough Kakashi. What was done is done." She said firmly, pulling away her hand. "He saved your life and you're going to be grateful, not guilty." Lady Tsunade crossed her arms and glared at him softly. "Please continue, and try to keep yourself calm, okay? I need to figure this out and I can't keep fussing over you."

Kakashi proceeded to explain to the Hokage the timeline of events up to when Naruto collapsed in his arms with no pulse. She grew pale white while hearing all of what happened to him and the boy. He then explained the odd jutsu he had encountered with the woman and what the man spoke about to him before Kakashi killed him. Her eyes grew wide as the story went on, until they were practically bulging out of her sockets.

He continued. "They were after him. Going on about a Demon Control Jutsu. I didn't believe them at first but…" He scratched the back of his head. "The woman, Yurimi I think, when I fought her she was weaving jutsu with one hand." He shrugged. "I don't understand it- uh, Lady Tsunade, are you alright?"

"Y-yes." She blushed angrily, taking a breath. "Did you say she was weaving with only one hand?"

"Uh, yeah." He nodded. "She placed her hand on my chest afterwards, and I didn't feel like I was in control of my body. I felt… separated. It's nothing I ever want to experience again. She took advantage of it and attacked me head on." He laid down lazily and rubbed his eyes, recurring memories causing him to shiver and reach for the blanket.

"So they can control other shinobi's chakra?" The Hokage asked, absentmindedly. "I've heard of such a technique but thought it to only be rumours." She bit her lip thoughtfully. "This jutsu, they must have perfected it to control a beasts chakra as well. Which is the reason why they would be targeting Naruto, of course." Lady Tsunade stood there, pondering the information when a knock came at the door.

Sakura had returned to the room with a pitcher of water with a small glass and a straw. She placed the tray beside Kakashi's bed and made him a glass of water, kindly sticking the straw in the cup for him. Lady Tsunade and Sakura watched hopefully as Kakashi skillfully slipped the straw under his mask and into his mouth. He drank the entire glass of water in a matter of seconds.

The two women were equally disappointed at yet another defeat by the notorious masked Kakashi, but quickly recovered. Sakura sighed and sweatdropped, filling the glass once more while Lady Tsunade continued. "I need to consult the elders before I make any decisions on this matter. Naruto and the safety of this village is my top concern and as long as he is within these walls, Konoha is in danger." She groaned and rubbed her temple. "I could really use a drink."

"Sensei" Sakura bowed to Kakashi then to Lady Tsunade. "If I may, I would like to go check up on Naruto. Please excuse me."

Tsunade nodded. "Alright. Thank you Sakura. You're dismissed."

"Hai! Please feel better soon Kakashi-sensei!" She smiled and winked at him before she left the room. Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle. He put the glass of water on the table.

"Lady Hokage," He nodded his head sleepily at her. "What do you plan on doing with the information I've given you? If you would like, I can relay the details of my mission to the elders and help decide what is our best option in moving forward." He yawned and winced.

"No." She said abruptly. "Kakashi you are still weak and tired, I won't allow you to leave that bed for at least another day's time. You need to rest." She walked over to the windows and closed the curtains, blocking out some of the light from the room.

Kakashi thought for a moment and decided it was best not to protest. He was weak, he was very tired and he felt that sleep would soon overcome him regardless of what he would say. "When can I see Naruto?" He asked, putting effort into his words as he spoke. He was more tired than he thought.

The Jounin tilted his head to the side and felt the walls suddenly rush at him as the room spun. He doubled over, overcome with nausea. Pain throbbed in his stomach and Kakashi gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut. He tried to take deep breaths but they escaped in short gasps. "What's happening to me? I feel as though the woman is in control of me again…" He fought against the pain, clenching his fists.

Tsunade walked over to his bed and laid him down, placing a hand gingerly on his forehead and another one on his stomach. She calmly closed her eyes and for the second time that day, Kakashi felt an enormous warmth wash over him. He welcomed it and relaxed instantly, his breathing softening to a steady pace. "Kakashi, you'll get to see him when you are well." She said, quietly. When he was relaxed enough, she pulled away and covered him up with a blanket. He eyed her tiredly but said nothing.

"Get some rest. I need you out on the field." Before the Lady Hokage stepped outside the room, Kakashi was already fast asleep.

Early that next morning the Lady Hokage had gathered the village elders, herself and Shikamaru into her office along with Shizune. Tsunade once again explained the situation to the group and the details of Team Kakashi's mission. All were easily rattled by the news she shared.

Shikamaru was the first to speak, saying what everyone else was thinking. "Well, of course we need to protect Naruto, but we all know that idiot isn't going to stand back and let us do all the work. His ego is too high for something like that." He sighed. "Right now the best thing I can propose is that we go after them. Defense might not be the best option this time around."

Koharu grunted. "Are you suggesting that we play right into their hands? That we give Naruto to them? Lady Tsunade I question your decision to make this young boy head of our military defence." Homura nodded in agreement.

Lady Tsunade tapped her nails on the desk, glancing between the two elders. "You honestly expect Naruto to just sit back and let the village be caught up in the crossfire because of him?" She glanced at the young man. "I agree with Shikamaru. We have to go on the offence. These shinobi wield unfamiliar jutsu that could prove to be deadly if left to itself." She put her head in her hands. "Our options are limited, and besides…" The Hokage sat up and her face grew frustrated. "We can't let them get away with what they have done already."

Shikamaru nodded. "Lady Tsunade, do you know what village the shinobi came from? Was Kakashi-sensei able to tell you if he knew or not?"

"From what I got out of Sakura, they were Ninja of the Cloud." She answered.

The three of them stared at her in shock. "Cloud Ninja?!" Koharu narrowed his eyes at her. "Why would the Cloud try to cause trouble with Konoha? That is unforgivable, Lady Hokage-"

"I doubt they are working under the orders of the Raikage." She mentioned. "Take note that they are in possession of their own Jinchuuriki, the eight-tails. Killer Bee is the Raikage's brother. I highly doubt he would approve of such methods."

"How can you be so sure?" Homura spoke for the first time, questioning the Hokage's knowledge. "The Raikage could be targeting Jinchuuriki from other lands while remaining in possession of his own as a form of defence. If a land were able to acquire two of the nine tailed-beasts, they would become invincible. Especially if they were to come after Naruto." She paused, letting the others think about her words. "I for one could see the Raikage taking such measures. If I were in his position-"

Lady Tsunade slammed her fists on her desk, nearly splitting it in half and causing the others to jump out of their skin. Shizune stepped back hurriedly and sweatdropped, clutching Tonton. The Hokage glowered at Homura, who grew silent. "I would approve of no such thing!" She shouted angrily. "Naruto is not just a tool to be used at our disposal! He is a boy! A human being!" Her voice rose with each word and she finished splitting her desk in two with another swift punch. "Shizune!"

"Right! I'll fetch another desk, ma'am!" Shizune quickly made her way out of the room, Tonton in tow.

Lady Tsunade took a deep breath and sat down, glaring. "I would allow no such thing to happen to Naruto, despite whatever position it might put Konoha in. He is in no way a military weapon and is not to be used as such."

Koharu shook his head. "We never suggested such a thing, Lady Hokage. Homura and I were simply counseling you to consider that the Raikage might possibly be involved with the troubles of what is happening."

"What do you suggest we do?" Shikamaru asked, trying to redirect the conversation.

Tsunade closed her eyes and sat back. "We need to increase defences around the border for now. That's all we can do. I'll have Sakura and Ino investigate the methods behind this new jutsu to see if we can come up with countermeasures or a way to block it. I will help them with that personally.

"Shikamaru, I'm going to have you and Kiba go to the Cloud village to speak with the Raikage. If you come across any troubles on your way there, alert me immediately." Shikamaru nodded and stood. "I need you to gather intel and speak with the Raikage if at all possible."

"Right, I'll get right on that, Lady Hokage. May I request a third member for my mission? If Shino finds out that he has been left out again… he's gonna be such a drag." He sighed.

She nodded. "Bring Shino along if you must. Just be careful."

"Lady Hokage, I don't recommend confronting the Raikage until we are certain that he isn't involved-" Koharu spoke up but Lady Tsunade remained stubborn against his wishes.

"I simply don't think the Raikage has anything to do with this." She said again before dismissing Shikamaru. "And I don't want to wait to find out if I'm wrong or not. Shikamaru and the others will not let me down."

Homura remained silent and Koharu sighed before standing. "If you don't mind Lady Hokage, we will be taking our leave now."

"Thank you for coming today." The two elders nodded and left the room leaving the Lady Tsunade standing without a desk, paper and wood splinters scattered everywhere.

"SHIZUNE!"

Thanks to the understanding of his subordinate Sakura, Kakashi finally managed to get ahold of a copy of his favorite novel, Make Out Paradise 2! He was more than content, laying back and reading in the quiet privacy of his own hospital room. The pain in his stomach had subsided a great amount and he had already been up and walking a bit before Sakura came for a visit. His first question for her was if he could see Naruto yet but she shook her head.

"He is still really unwell, sensei. And you need your rest at least for a little while longer." She had smiled and set Kakashi at ease. Sakura had been working so hard and he felt guilty for trusting her with so much after the trouble they had been through the past few days. He had suggested that she take a break and rest for a few hours but she refused, insisting that she was responsible for him and Naruto. He wasn't going to change her mind so instead he gratefully accepted the book from her and did as he was told.

That had all been about an hour ago but Kakashi was beginning to grow uneasy and found himself unable to concentrate on his book after a while. He sighed and closed it, setting it on the table next to his bed. He pulled the covers over his head and sat there. Something in his head just wasn't adding up. "Why Naruto? It would be much easier if they went for the other Jinchuuriki first. Unless.. no we would have need informed… but this doesn't make sense." He squeezed his eyes shut and groaned in frustration at his growing headache. "Could they be aiming for the strongest first? It would make sense in a way," Kakashi pondered and formed theories in his head to pass the time. He rolled over in his bed and pulled his knees to his chest.

"Maybe it's because they are targeting not just Naruto, but the village too." He suddenly came to that realization when he heard a voice behind his back at the door.

"Kakashi?" He sat up, startled, and turned around to find Tsunade looking at him concerned. She walked into the room. "Are you alright?"

"Oh? Yes." He said, running his hand through his hair and blushing. He smiled beneath his mask. "I'm feeling much better, thank you."

She smiled in return. "Good news," She said, closing the door behind her. "I have some news for you."

He tensed slightly. "About Naruto?"

"No," She responded, sitting in the window sill next to his bed. "Well, yes. It's about the men who attacked your team and what I'm planning to do."

Kakashi sat back on his pillow. "I think I might know what their intention is," He said. "They might be not only after Naruto but the village too."

"Mhm," Tsunade nodded. "I considered that as much. I've increased the border patrol and I've sent a team of three to the Cloud to investigate the Raikage's involvement in this, if there is any." She crossed her arms and looked at Kakashi.

He looked at her, confused. "The Raikage? I doubt-"

"I know. I think the same as you, Kakashi. But we must take precautions. This is a pretty serious matter. Naruto was nearly killed and I as the Hokage, have to take responsibility." She sighed and looked out the window. "If you're up for it, I have a job for you."

"Already?" He groaned. He figured maybe he's get a few day's rest before getting back on his feet and out into the field.

"It's not going to be that hard Kakashi, I just need you to stay with Naruto at all times and guard him." She laughed. "I don't doubt that the boy will complain but It's just going to have to be this way for a little while. I don't want you to restrict him, he can do as he pleases I just need your word that you will protect him. That's the mission I'm giving you. Do you accept?"

"I do," He said, without hesitation.

"Good." She smiled. "You start right now. Come with me, Naruto is awake."

Kakashi entered the room, finding Naruto in the bed closest to the window. He was laying back, the blankets pulled away to expose his chest and stomach. His wounds were neatly wrapped and the color had returned to his skin. He was breathing steadily and calmly. A nurse was checking his vitals when he stepped in, so he stood quietly until she was finished and left the room.

Despite how much better he looked from the last time Kakashi saw him, he was wearing a breathing mask and had IV's running up his arms. He was shaking slightly, possibly from a bit of pain. Kakashi noticed that he had his eyes closed, so he assumed that the boy had fallen back asleep. He sat on the window sill and sighed, looking out of the window for a few seconds before pulling out his book. A few pages in and he heard the boy speak.

"Kakashi-sensei?" He said, smiling slightly. Kakashi turned to look at him and met his dull blue eyes. He had already pulled off the mask and was attempting a toothy grin. Kakashi snapped his book shut quickly and went to the side of his bed.

"Hey buddy, how are you feeling?" He asked, untangling the mask from the boy's hair and putting it to the side.

"Hmm" came his response, closing and opening his eyes slowly. "Ss fine, sensei." He shifted his head to look at Kakashi. "Are you k?"

The Jounin smiled. "Yes, Naruto. I'm okay thanks to you." He put his book in his pocket and sat in the chair next to Naruto's bed.

"I don't remember much of what happened, sensei-" He closed his eyes and swallowed.

"That's okay Naruto, you don't need to worry about that." He placed his hand on the boy's forehead and glanced at him curiously. "How's your pain?"

Naruto winced a bit, startling Kakashi causing him to pull away quickly. "I'm fine, I promise." He said, stubbornly trying to sit up. Kakashi thought to push him back into the bed, scolding him for moving around too much but thought better of it when he saw how the boy looked at him. "I'm okay, just a little pain. Kurama is healing me."

"He's able to heal you now?" Kakashi sighed with relief and sat back in the chair. "That's really good, but you still need to rest. I've been ordered to watch over you to make sure you don't do anything stupid." He sighed and smiled slightly. "We're also going to head out once you are feeling better and deal with those fools who hurt you. I bet that sounds exciting, hmm?"

Naruto didn't respond, causing Kakashi to eye him curiously. Something about Naruto was different but he couldn't quite figure it out. "You'll tell me if anything hurts, won't you?" He asked.

Still not getting a response, he sat up and looked at him. The boy hadn't fallen asleep, but was just looking out of the window into the village. He seemed lost in thought and maybe even on the verge of tears. "Sensei, why does everyone hate me and try to kill me? All I do is try to help people and aim to be the Hokage but it seems as though no matter how hard I try, someone is always there to shoot me down." He looked at Kakashi and the Jounin was taken aback. The Naruto he knew wouldn't ever talk about his feelings. He thought for a minute before responding.

"Well, it's basically because they are frustrated with you becoming stronger than them and better. You've earned yourself a name in the world Naruto, and people sometimes don't like that." He looked at the boy and frowned. "It's also because of the power within you, Naruto. They want to get their hands on Kurama and control him."

"Do you really think they'll be able to do that?" He asked, looking at him.

"Not on my watch," Kakashi smiled and scratched his head, blushing slightly. "You're under my protection after all." He reached his hand out, pretending not to notice that the boy tensed slightly, and ruffled his hair playfully.

Naruto grimaced at him and pouted. "Yuck! Sensei stop acting all fatherly. That's disgusting!" He made mock gagging noises, sticking out his tongue. Kakashi laughed heartedly for the first time in days. "There's my Naruto."